The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-10-15
A Remarkable Escape.

ing on Maine. The animal commonly
known as the Canadian gray wolf was
hen the scourge of the country They
,ften gathered in large numbers.
apparently under the guidance of an
acknowledged leader, and attacked
Whatever came in their way. Not
only sheep and small animals we're
,aughtcrcd but horned cattle, horses,
md even human beings fell prey to
| ihese bloodthirsty scourges. The wolf
Is scarcely. II ever, known to attack
any creature except some of the small
~ species sngly, as he has ever been
acted Tor his cowardice, but when
pressed by hunger and an available
opportunity for securing good round
meal is discovered by the leader of the
pack. he ut once begins to howl. This
$ understood and answered by others,
antil, in an incredibly short time, they
IRE all assembled, when, under the
guidance and at a well known signal
rom the leader, the frightful and
)minous war cry, known as that of the
chase, is sounded. Then whatever
happens to be the object of pursuit is
generally doomed to destruction. The
cader when ne becomes feeble by
'eason of old age or other disabilities,
$ generally vanquished in an encounter
with some younger and more vigorous
male and then set upon by the entire
pack and driven out to die alone The
wolves sometimes seen singly or in
pairs in northern Maine are said TO be
refugees from northern Canada and
perfectly harmless, as their defeat and
exile has rendered them so cowardly
that no danger need be feared rs they
will never attack anything larger than
partridge or rabbit.
In the autumn of the year 1882, near
N,he close of a bright, sunny day,
traveller alighted at IA little wayside inn
situated on the borders of one of those
extensive Canadian forests. known as
he Crown lands, and called for feed
for his horse and "A lunch. He was
powerfully built man, of fine personal
appearance. in the prime of life, and
? evidently one who had seen much of
The world. The horse he rode whose
symmetrical form, linely-shaped head
and lofty mien plainly indicated his
careful breeding, was nnsaddled, neat
IS groomed and placed in the stable.
frugal meal of dcer-steak. potatoes.
buckwhcat griddle cakes and maple
honey was soon placed on the table, to
which the hungry traveller Immediately
proceeded to do ample justice. To this
was added a tumbler and small decan-
ter of whisky. as at that day drink of
some kind of liquor especially among
gentry and travellers at least before
each meal, was not only considered re-
spectacle but almost indispensable.
Of the latter, however, the guest de-
clined to partake, remarkng that he
n1ad never yet tasted liquor of any kind
, and hadn't the least desire TO commence
now. In reply TO interrogatories, he
stated that he was agent of large pub
fishing house in Philadelphia, and
bound to Quebec; that he must hasten,
as he wished to pass the long woods
that night.
Pass the woods tonight ?" exclaim-
ed the landlord in surprise. Indeed you
must do no such thing. The woods are
filed with wolves, and they are uncom-
monty fierce. If you encounter pack.
as no doubt you will, your life must pay
the forfeit; so please stay where you are
in welcome, but | beg you will not
hazard your life in this reckless man.
ner."
The traveller. thinking his host over
anxious, and us he carried large sum |
Of money, began to mistrust danger
from another source. The more he
pondered. the tirmer became his con-
victon that mischief was meant, and
the story of the wolves one of their in
vention to suit the occasion and their
own wicked purpose. Furthermore,
knowing the moon to be near the full
and a smooth road before him. besides
being well mounted, he anticipated
nothing but pleasant ride.
Bidding his host a hasty goodby, he
mounted his horse and was soon lost to
sight in the distant forest. Nothing of
interest occurred TO disturb the monot-
ony of his journey until several miles or
perhaps more than half the distance had
4. milan. In lnnnrioI .I.,,.l.